Report Of Water In Hold Denied

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31153, 1 September 1966, Page 16

Report Of Water In Hold Denied

(New Zealand Press Association)

INVERCARGILL, August 31. The refrigerated cargo ship, Port Napier, which is loading frozen meat at Bluff, was reported today to have four feet of water in her No. 4 hold. But the report was denied by the Port Napier’s master, Captain R. Dunn.

The hold is full of cartons of frozen meat and carcases. Mr J. N. Armstrong, shipping manager of J. E. Watson and Company, agent for the Port Line, confirmed tonight that there was “something wrong” aboard the Port Napier. He said that it was not known what was wrong. Mr Armstrong said the agent in New Zealand had been in touch with the Port Line in London on the matter and expected a reply overnight. “We know there is trouble on the ship somewhere, but we don't know the extent of it No decision on what is to be done will be made until

the morning,” Mr Armstrong said. Captain Dunn said by tele- . phone from the ship tonight that he did not think there 1 was any water now in the s hold. I He said he was of the , opinion that the water, from ’ a burst pipe, had flowed into the bilges and had since been > pumped out. “I’m willing to take odds ! that there’s no water in the I hold now. There may have : been, but the pumps have ■ shifted 'it,” Captain Dunn ■ said. He said it was impossible > to inspect the bottom of the : hold, which was “chock a ' block” with frozen meat. He > was awaiting word from his I principals on the matter.